The Studio Series Poetry Reading & Open Mic

Featuring David Rutiezer and Rebecca Bluemel

 David Rutiezer, grandchild of Jewish immigrants, grew up in Illinois and Massachusetts and lives in Portland, Oregon. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from the Rainier Writing Workshop and a TESL certificate. His poems have appeared in Drash, Harpur Palate, Jewish Currents, North Coast Squid, Terra Incognita and Mortality Poems. His debut chapbook, Other Dances, was published in March 2025 by Handtype Press as part of its Squares and Rebels chapbook series. He founded December First Writers (decemberfirstwriters.com) who are named for World AIDS Day and give readings from their own writing on the impact of AIDS on their lives personally. David enjoys singing, playing piano and ukulele, has brought music and poetry to senior and memory care communities and families, and has recorded a children’s album, The Kid in Me. He’s taught folk dancing from all over the world to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. David teaches and tutors English, ESL and creative writing, and has volunteered for many organizations, including Cascade Festival of African Films and the Oregon Holocaust Memorial. More information at www.creativedavid.com.

Becca Lynne Bluemel is a Gateless© certified facilitator, group leader, and writing coach. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her two adorable gingers, leads a current series of generative writing workshops virtually, and owns and operates her pet sitting business, Home Sweet Home Pet Care. Her book, Excoriation, and chapbook, Womanhood and Other Scars, and More Water Than Tears have been published by The Poetry Box.

The Open Mic is open to all audience members. Participants can sign up before the start of the reading or during the break. In the interest of time, Open Mic readers are asked to limit their reading to three minutes.

View clips of featured poets reading at the Studio Series on Instagram @poet_landia and on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1281329966139780/

The Ross Island Grocery and Café is a cozy space with capacity for 40 or so people. Tables are available, so people who arrive early can enjoy a light supper (i.e., a sandwich, salad or burger) while waiting for the reading to begin. If we run out of table space, folding chairs are available. A mic will enhance the readings. There is plenty of unrestricted parking on the streets around the Café.